Coen haevestee



(No Model.) @sheets-sheen E. E. WITTER.-

CORN HARVESTER;

No. 470,609.v PvaJte-ntled Mar. 8, 1892.

l(No Model.)

l v ssheets-sheet E. E. WITTER. CORN HARVESTER.

Patented Mar. 8., 1892."

(No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 3l.

E. E. WITTER. -GORN kmRVBsTf.l

No. 470,609. Patented Mar. 8,1892.

`/VIT/\UISSEE NVENTU H @ffm 8 Sheets- Sheet 4.

(No lModel.)

E. E. WITTER. CORN HARVESTER'.

No. 470,609. Patented Mar. '8; 1892.

viv fnvrlllalivll vlllllllllllillillnll.

(No Model.) 8 Sheets- Shen 5.

B.- E. 'WITTBR `GURN HARVESTER.

No. 470,609. i "Patented Mar. 8, 1892..A

A L @my 11/ ff fig-12 WITTESEE VNTQH WW @WMQ (No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 6l.

E. E. WITTER.

CORN HARVESTER.

Patented. Mar; 8,' 1892.

4 'ITA/55555 (No Model.) SSheetsP-Sheet 7'.

E. E. WIT-TER. CORN HARVESTER.

10,470,609 Pmmted Maf. 8, lsglz,

WHA/55355 r A M me mams `urine co.. mom-umu., wunmuvon, n. c.

- (-Np Moda.)- u s sheets-sheet' s.

E. E. vfflflnma.V OUEN-HARVESTER.,

"me Nonms Parana uol, Puurs-umm wAsNmnYoN. o. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT Drrlcn.

EZRA E. VVITTER, OFMIQFORD CENTRE, OHIO.

CORN-HARVESTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of IlettersrPatent No. 470,609, dated March 8, 1892.

Application filed August 21, 1890iv `Serial No. 362.702. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Beit known that I, EZRA E. WITTER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Milford corn-harvester described and set forth in my pending application, Serial No. 302,786, filed March l l, 1889.

The object of my invention is to simplify the constructions heretofore used in corn-harvesters of this class.

My invention consists in the various constructions and combinations of parts hereinafter described, and set forth in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l `is a plan of a machine embodying myinvention. Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view of the same, showing the arrangement of the mechanism for driving the different operating parts. Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional elevation view of the same. Figs. 4e and 5 are detailed views, respectively,in elevationand partly in section, showing the arrangement of the raising and lowering mechanism. Fig. Gis a detailed view in elevation of one ofthe endless-chain gathering devices. side and rear elevations, partly in section, of a shock-forming frame in detail. Figs. 9 and l0 are sectional elevations of detailed portions of the binding apparatus and driving mechanism, also showing the devices for raising and lowering the same. Fig. l1 is a bottom plan of the shock-forming frame and its operating mechanism. Fig. 12 is a detail of the same, showing the gate-latch. Fig. 13 is a detail of a portion ot" the binder raising and lowering devices. Figs. let and 15 are details of the needlearm, Fig. 15 showingthe arrangement of the binding-cord and slack-producing device. Fig. 16 is a side elevation of the parts shown in Fig. l5. Fig. 17 is a detailed view of a portion of the cutting apparatus. Figs. 18 and 19 are respectively a cross-section and partial plan view of the table-leaves in the shock-forming frame. Figs. 20 and 2l are similar views of the shock-formera 23, and 24 are respectively a plan, elevation, and bottom plan of the table-leaf supports and Figs? and 8 are respectively Figs.' 22,

latch. Fig.25 is asectional detail of the supporting-frame for the table, showing the outer leaf-supporting latches. Figs. 26 and 27 are respectively an elevation and plan of the rear icaster-wheel. Fig. 28 is a side elevation showing the tilting devices. Figs. 29 and 30 are aplan and elevation,respectively, of the binderftable bridge. Fig.3l is an enlarged detail of the same. Figs. 32 and 33 are details of the table-operating pawls. Fig. 34 isa detail of one of the supporting-wheels.

Like parts are represented by similar letters of reference throughout the several views.

In the said drawings, A A represents the main frame of the machine,which is supported on a main driving-wheel A and a smaller supporting-wheel A2, preferably in line with the driving-wheel A. I

B is t-he shock-forming device, including the binder and mechanism for discharging the bound shock therefrom. This shook-forining deviceis hinged to the main frame through the medium of `the hinged connections a, which are adapted to turn on a connectingrod a', which extends along the rear of the machine, and are also adapted to slide laterally along said rod to shift the position of the shock gathering and forming4 device to different positions with refer ce to the main frameA A, as more fully s forth in my previousv application heretofore referred to.

The shock forming and discharging devices are supported on a caster-wheel A3, the supporting-arm b of.-which is connected to the frame of" the device B at b and provided at `its other end with a sleeve b2, which carries af bifurcated journal-support b3, in which the wheel A3 is journaled. By means of the pivoted arm` `b the caster-wheel A3 may be adj usted laterally with reference to the frame to whichit is attached, as shownby dotted lines in Fig. 27, so as to equalize the weight."

thereon and thus balance the machine and the supporting mechanism on the three cardesirable that the frame and operating parts Ico block A11, is an adj listing-screw c2.

be supported yieldingly on the wheels in order to obviate the jar and strain incident to passing over rough ground, such as is generally found in the corn-field. I preferably ac complish this in the following manner, (see Figs. 3 to 5 for detailsz) The carrying-wheels A and A2 are supported in sliding frames A5 and A7. The sliding `frame A5, in which the main driving and supporting wheelAis journaled, is adapted to slide vertically on guiderods c c', which are each connected at their lower ends to the main frame 'A A and at their upper ends to a beam or head-block A11. Secured rigidly in the top of the frame A5 and projecting upwardly between the guidebars c and c', so as to pass through the headjusting-screw c2 carries a spur-gear c5, the hub of1 which is bored and screw-threaded to correspondV to the screw-shaft c2.- The hub of the spur-gear c5 is made of sufficient length i to fit snugly against the sides of a movable y frame A12, which as the gearc3 is revolved in either direction is adapted to -be carried up or down along the screwc2. Extending from the adjustable frame A12 and vthe head-block A11, withthe'respective ends resting against each, is a heavy coil-sprin g A15. Thesupporting-rod c', which forms one of the supports for the head-block'A11 and connects't-he same with the lnain frame A A, ispreferably formed U-` shaped and .extended partly across the main frame A A and projected upwardly, as shown in Fig. 3, so asto form a guide-rod for one side main driving-wheel A.

- against which the spring A17 rests, is secured rigidly tothe guide-rod c and also to a smaller guide-rod 'Q11 `vhich connects said head-block to the 'main rame A A and forms a guide for lthe movable frame A7 on the opposite sifle of said frame from theguide-rodc.

It will be seen that as thus described the weight of the main .frame is supported uponl the two wheels A and A2 through the mediumy of the springs A12 and A17, while the spurgears c3 and c7 furnish the means for raising and lowering said frame with reference to the carrying-wheels by revolving said4 gears upon their screw-threaded sta'ndardsf lo provide for moving these gears simultaneously and uniformly to produce a uniform adjustment of the frame in a vertical direct ion,lprovide within the movable frames A12 and A15 spurpinions 012 and 013, adapted to mesh with the gears c3 and c7, respectively.

length to fit snugly within the movable frames, in which they are supported, and are each provided with a spline orjfeather adapted to slide in a keyway in the revolving vertical shafts c15 and C17. These shafts are each snp- This ad- The hubs of these pinions are also made of sufficientmitergears C27. (See Figs. 4 and 5 for details.)

By the construction thus described it will be seen' that means are provided for readily adjusting the main frame and its operating mechanism with reference to the drivingwheels, while at the same time the said main frame and al1 the operating parts are supported yieldingly on said main frame. The crank-shaft c25 is placed within convenient reach of the operator, so that means are at `hand by which he may raise or lower the machine at any time, as desired.

'lhe main frame and the operating parts are preferably constructed foroperating upon two rows of corn at the same time, as described in my other previous application heretofore referred to. The rotary cutters C and C', arranged in the throats C2 C3, d0 not differ materially from those described in said application. As the machine is drawn forward m0- tion is imparted to the cutters C and C', which are brought in contact by the advancement of the machine with the stalks in the respective rows which enter the throats C3 and C5. A side cutter C5 is also preferably provided at the side of the main frame in advance of the horizontal cutters C C in the manner described in said former application to sever the downstalks in the next row.

. C7 and C11 are elevator-chains arranged at the sides of the respective throats for elevating the down grain and carrying it to the ree volving cutters. I also provide a third elevating-chain C12, which receives motion from the shaft which drives the said cutters C5 and Aextends upwardly therefrom at an angle to assistin carrying up and straightening down stalks to cause themto enter the throat and be severed by the main cutters in the manner 'hereinafter more fully described. Each of the chains C7 C11 C12passes oversupporting-sprockets C9, 021, and C22 at thev top of the machine, which sprockets are arranged at substantially the same vertical height. The supportingsprocket C22 of the chain C12, however, is arranged in front of the sprocket C21, which causes the outer chain C12 to assume a different angle from the chain G11 and elevate the stalks at this point more rapidly than by the chain C11, `while they are carried backwardly at the same speed. The stalks severed by the cutter C5, as well as down stalks, are thus straightened and directed into the throat C3.

Motion is imparted to the respective cut- Aters in the following manner: A spur-pinion d engages with the main driving-gear D,

formed integral with and rigidly connected IOO IIO

to the main driving-wheel A. The spur-pinion d is secured on one end of a short horizontal shaft supported in a bearing in the movable frame A5 and connected to a vert-ical shaft CZ through the agency of beveled gears d2 d5, the beveled gear d5 being formed with the hub of sufficient length resting within an opening CZ5 in the main sliding frame A5, the said frame A5 being provided on each side of `said opening with bearings CZT (Z7 for the vcrtical shaft Ci. rlhegeard3 is adapted to transmit its motion to the shaft CZ by the aid of a spline or feather, which operates in the keyway d, formed in said shaft, this construction I being adapted to permit a free verticalmovement of the gear d5 and the frame A5 on the vertical shaft CZ to permit the proper adjust-` ment of the main frame and the supportingwhich carries a toothed chain CP2, which passes around similar sprocket-wheels on a vertical shaft CZ15, arranged at or near the platform or main frame A A. At or near the lower end of the shaft CZ15 is a spur-gear CZ, which engages with a vsimilar gear ,C121 on a shaft C122. 'lhist sh aft C222 is also provided with sprocketwheels; CZ22, preferably two in number, carrying chains Cl25, which pass over similar sprocket-wheels vsecured on a vertical shaft C127, which carries one ofthe cutting-disks of the cutters C-, andl thus imparts motion to said cutters. The vertical shaft CZ22 is extended below the platform and is provided with a sprocket-wheel, which carries a chain, which extends over, as indicated by dotted` lines in Fig. 2, and drives a short vertical shaft C121. This shaft C151 is made of sufficient length to come slightly above the platform and carries a sprocket\vl1eel, which drives an endless chain CZ52, which in turn,`

through the agency of a proper sprocketwheel, drives a vertical shaft C155, which carries the other cutting-disks of the cutters C. The shaft CFS is extended upwardly through bearings in thehead-block A2l and is con-1 necled to a similar vertical shaft C155 through the medium of a horizontal shaft C122 and miter-gears CX51 and CZ52. The shaft CZ37 also carries a suitable sprocket-wheel to drive the gathering-chain C7, as shown in Fig. 6.

It should be stated that the shafts e553 and Z55 each carry cutting-disks forminga part of the cutters C and C. They are each extended above the head-blockA21 and each provided with a rotating picker or gatherer D and D2, provided with extending arms adapted to re-v volve above the cutters and gather the stalks as they are severed by the cutters or brought thereto by the elevating-chains and force them into contact with the endless chains dis,

C125, and C152. Y

The respective chains cl2 and C05 are provided with teeth or fingers and are revolved One of the ro-` in the proper direction toV engage the stalks of corn as `they are severed by the cutters C and C and carry the same between'the shafts Cl15 and CZ22. The corn is held in a vertical position in its passage from the cuttersto this point by means of guide-wires d52, any suit- `of Athe corn, but will exert sufficient pressure upon saidY corn to cause'it to always be properly engaged by the carrying-chains.

Extending from a suitable sprocket-wheel on the shaft C115 to a similar sprocket-wheel arranged on a shaft e on the shock-forming device drive-chain c. rlhis shaft e is ai `ranged at an angle slightly out of the perpendicular to correspond t-o the shape of the shock-forming frame, which is made larger at the bottom than at the top to correspond to the natural shape of the shock to be formed thereby, as shown in Fig. 28. Frein the shaft e below the platform of the shook-forming device a chain passes to and drives a short vertical shaft e2, which extends u pwardly through the platform and carries a spur-gear e5, en- Y gaging with a similar spur-gear e5 on a vertical shaft e2. (See Figs. 2 and 9.) From the shaft e7 is extended a chain e, which passes over a suitable sprocketwheel on said shaft and over a similar sprocket-wheel cl2, arranged on a vertical shaft @15, supported in suitable bearings in the shock forming and binding device slightly in the rear of the shaft `Cl22. This chain e11 is also armed with hngers or teeth and operates in connection with the guide wires or rods @15 to carryand guide the corn into the shock forming and binding receptacle. A guide-wire @51 is also preferably provided to assist in guiding the stalks into the shock-forming receptacle. The shafts e2 and cl2 are also each provided with two pairs of cranks @21 and @22, on which are journa'led reciprocating serrated carrying-bars 622 and c25.

These'bars are adapted to be reciprocated as the shafts are revolved by the action of the drive-chains before referred to. It will thus be seen that the corn delivered from the carrying-chains CZ15 and CX25 between the shafts d15and CX22 is engaged by the reciprocating serrated carrying devices c25 and c25 and forwarded along the passage formed between the said reciprocating bars and the guides or rods e152 To assist the passage from the chains CX25 C112 to the reciprocating carrying devices and from the main platform to the hinged platform of theshock-forming device, I provide a picking or gathering device D5, secured to the shaft Cl15 near the top and adapted to re- Vvolve above the carrying-chains and thus ICO nicate motion between the respective parts named, the guide rods or wires @15 being pref erably made resilient or yielding to compensate for the varying quantities of stalks in said passage.

The shaft e is made in two parts connected by a coupling c25, which is joined to the upper part of said shaft by a feather or spline operating in a keyway in a well-known manner to form au adjustable connection between the parts. The upper-.portion of the shaft e is bent to form crank-arms 627 and @51, on which are journaled reciprocating packer-arms 632 and 633, each journaled near its middle on one of said cranks and connectedat its inner end to a stationary lug or projection @31 on the bearing e511 of the packer-shaft, which bear.- ing is supported on the movable bearing or sleeve n2 of the needle-arm shaft by a piv-y oted connecting-link @55, which as the shaft e is revolved gives to said packer-arms a reciprocating oscillating movement,`which causes them to engage the incoming stalks and carry them into the shock forming and binding receptacle proper in the manner hereinafter more fully described.

The shock-formin g device B in its general construction does not differ materially from that described in my previous application referred to. A circular revolving table B is adapted to revolve in an outer circular coneshaped frame B2, having at the bottom an annular' supporting-liange B11, in which the table revolves. The inner circular revolving table B is provided with a partition B5, against which the incoming stalks are packed, which causes the circular table to revolve within the outer frame, as set forth in said former application. The table B is composed of a frame-work consisting of an open ring VB12 and backwardly-extending frame-pieces B15 B11, to which are attached' hinge-bars for the leaves f f f2 f5, hinged together and to the frame-pieces by hinge-bars and provided with springs to return them to their normal position, as described and set forth in my previous application and as shown in Figs. ll, 18, and 19. The hinge-bars and outer rim of the table, together with the dividing-partition, form a skeleton frame, through which the stalks forming the shock pass when the leaves are released in the same manner as set forth in my prior application. The leaves are adapted to be normally held in position to support the incoming stalks which rest thereon. As the corn is forced against the partition B5 the table revolves, the stalks being arranged Within the outer casing and about the formers f5f5, which parts are substantially the same in their arrangement and construction as set forth in my previous application.

The corn in its passage from the harvester to the binding and shock-forming receptacle is supported in the'frame-work B5, forming a part of the shock-forming device B, and on which the outer casing or frame B2 is supported. At the point where the corn leavesr the frame B5 and passes into the outer casing B2 and onto the table B', I provide a pivoted bridge or floor f11, pivoted at f 12 to the frame and adapted to reciprocate between the table B andthe frame B5. To guide the stalks properly into the receptacle and against the parti- 4 tion B3, I provide curved pivoted guide-arlns f15 f15, pivoted, respectively, at f17 to the outer casing at the top and bottom, said guide-arms being provided with small springs f21, adapted to hold them in their normal positions, as indicated in full lines in Fig. 2 and in detail in Fig. 29. As the table is revolved by the incoming stalks the partition B5 is brought against the curved arms f15 f15 and theyare forced outwardly to the position indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2 to permit the table to continue its revolution. The bridge f11 is connected to the lower 4guide-rod f15 in the manner hereinafter more fully described, and

is also carried by the movement of said army without the radius of the revolving partition B5. By this time the partition B3 has reached t-he opening through which the corn enters the outer casing B2, and a further revolution of the table B by the incoming stalks cannot be accomplished. At this point t-he binding mechanism is thrown into operation bya lug or projection g on the bottom of the revolving table, which comes against a trip-lever g', arranged below said table.

The binding mechanism does not differ materially from those already in use for binding grain. It receives its motion from the shaft e by a sprocket chain g2, which drives a TOO IIC

sprocket-wheel g5 on a shaft g5, which shaft g5 u is extended through the frame B5 and carries a pinion Q7, which drives the binding mechanism. The chain g2 is armed with teeth or lingers and is extended from a shaft e over an idler 911, arranged above the frame or platform B5 and in close proximity to the shaft e7, thus forming a throat, through which the stalks are crowded by the action of the chain g2, which thus assists in crowding the stalks into the binding-receptacle and against the partition B3. The tri p-lever gf is arranged in a well-known manner to cause the pinion g'1 to transmit motion through the intermediate gears g12 Q15 and spur-gear 915 to the knottershaft g17. An oscillating movement is transmitted from the spur-gear g1T to the needlearm shaft Q21 through the agency of the pitlnan connection Q22. (See Fig. 1l.) As the shaft g21 is revolved the needle-arm h is carried across the opening through which the corni-enters the binding-receptacle, th usbringlng the cord or wire into the knotter or twister, y

by means of which the shock is bound, the knotter or twister being located on the opposite side of the shall deliver the wire or cord thereto, any of` the well-known devices for this purpose being used. A l 1 It should be noted that the end of the cord or wire'i's held in a suitable holder connected or 1n close proximity to the knotter or.` twister, which 1s on the opposite side from with the needle-arm ofthe passage through which the stalks enter the binding-receptacle, sol

that as the shock is formed by `packing thel;

anism is set into operationthe incoming` stalks'are cut off from the table by the needle-arm, and the movement of said ktable ceases. It is desirable, however, to carry the` partition a certain distance before the shock;`

is bound and then another distance before itl is discharged, so that the partitionB3 may re-`` main stationary during the time that the ends of the cord or wire are table, in order that the leaves ff f2 f3, which form the top of the forn1ersf5f7 forward advance of the machine.

for this movement, I provide two reciprocating pawls z' and t', pivoted to a rocking arm, The shaft Q21, it`

z2 on the needle-shaft Q21. will be understood, simply receives an oscillating motion from the spur-gear Q15, sufli-` cient to carry the needle-arm to the proper position with reference tothe tyeror twister. rllhls oscillating movement causes the pawls t and t to come alternately in contact with a projection t3 on the bottom of the table B3 and thus carry said' table to the end of its.

revolution. These pawls t' and t', being attached to the rocking arm 20u opposite sides of the shaft Q21, are moved in opposite direc` tions as "said arm is oscillated, the pawl t' being adapted to engage with the projection if and carry it in aforward direction to the limit of the stroke of said temporarily while the ends of the cord or wire are being united. In the meantime theV other pawl t" has been moved backwardly g until it has passed the pawl t', the said pawls,I

occupying the relative positions shown in:`

dotted lines in Fig. l1. As the motion ofthe shaft Q2l is reversed after the ends of the Wire or cord have been properly united the pawls i are returned to their normal positions, the` pawl t" engaging with the projection t3 and completing the revolution of the table B3.

The needle-arm h is provided with an extended portion 7L on the arc of a circle con-` centric with theshaft Q21. This extensionh throat from the needle-arm in 'a well-known manner, so that the needle-arm cord or Wire in a well-i,v

being. united, and afterward be brought to its original pos1t1on,thus completing the revolution of saidY table, and those of the' may be brought in line with the l To provide pawl, where itis stopped has the double function of shutting off the incoming stalks and of assisting in Vpaying out the cord to pass around the fresh shock as the same is being formed by theincoming stalks. The latter function is performed in the following manner: A pivoted catch h2 in theend of said arm is adapted to engage with the cord, which passes through two stationary guiding-eyes h3 h5 on either side of the path of said arm. Near the limit of the backward movement of said arm are two stationary stop projections 717 h, The pivoted catch h2 `has an extended projection hm, adapted as the arm is moved lbackward to come in contact with the stop projection hl, and thus be turned to the position indicated by dotted lines in Fig. V16, in which 4position the cord is released, and the loop thus formed between the stationary,guiding-eyes and the pivoted latch is allowed to pay out 'freely through the stationary eye h5 and the opening in the needle-arm. As the arm starts forward again the extension k12 comes against thestop h and returns the same to .its normal position to engage the cord on its backward stroke. Itshould be `noted that the stop hu is placed considerably above the other stop k7, so that on the backward movement the extended end 7112 of the catch h2 passes under the stop h and'comles in contact with the stop k7, which forces the extended portion upwardly and the catch portion downwardly. The catch h2 being in this position will be engaged by the vstop hll on its forward movement` and returned to` its former position.

`The end of the cord being held in the holder or gripper in the usual manner as the arm returns to its normal position, the cord or Wire will be drawn from the spool by the catch,as

described, until the limit of the backward movement of said arm is reached, at which time it will be released, thus forming a loop or bight to pass around the shock asthe stalks are packed into the binding-receptacle.

IOC

The arrangement for discharging the bound f shock is essentially the same as in my previous application, though much simplified, the operating-ring described in said application being dispensed with. Agate B7 forms the rear portion of the binding-receptacle. As the table reaches the limit of its revolution the gate B7 is automatically unlocked by a lug or projection j on the spur-gear Q15 coming in contact with a pivoted catch-.lever j on the outer frame of the shock-forming device, Which engages with and holds said gate B7 in its normalposition. At the `same time the leaves f fzare disengaged by astopprojectionc on the outer frame coming in contact with a sliding boltle', secured to the moving table and adapted to operate the spring-catches k2 k3, and engage the free edges of the respective leaves. These spring-catches are shown in detail in Figs. 2:2 to 24, and consist, essentially, of latches k6, pivoted at la7 and each provided with aprojecting arm la, against which extend outwardly 4hold the central leaves f f2, which open f rom the center, the latch device being supported on the skeleton frame of the revolving table att` the base of the partition B3, the side leaves f f3 being held by single pivoted latches 7016, as shown in Figs. 8 and 25. These latches 7c are adapted to be operated bylugs 7c21 on the outer casing as the table is revolved, which forces them `to the position indicated by dotfted lines in Fig. 25,thus releasing said leaves,

said lugs being arranged in different planes,

so that the lugs will strike only thelea-ves def-revolution, the shock having sired. As the table reaches the limit of its bound, allfthe parts are returned t-o their nor- -mal positions, the leaves open, the gate BI is unlocked, and the shock falls through the ta-v ble, the leaves of the former being turned to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 20.` The table, leaves, and other parts will thus readily free themselves from the shock as the machine advances. The discharge-arm Z, forming a part of thebinding apparatus,is preferably act on the shock simultaneously with the unlocking of the gate and table-leaves and bears against the top of the other parts of the machine, leaving the shock standing in position on the ground. As soon as the different parts of the table have cleared;

/ftlie shock the leaves and gate are returned .to their normal positions by the springs, as illustrated in detail in Figs. 18 to 2l, after which the device is again ready for another operation.

. n To provide for holding the pawls i and t" in their proper positions and guide them around the iiange of the revolving table, I provide guidew-ires i5, secured at each end to the frame B5 vand adapted to pass through the respective pawls, which are formed with open-v ingst'T therein, as shown in Figs. 32 and 83,

Vadapted to travel along said wires. lThese guides or wires are formed with a certain degree of resilience, which permits the pawls to pass the projection t3, but at the same time holds the said pawls in close proximity to the flange and guides`them in their travel about the table, as before described.

` As before described, the harvester proper is supported on springs, with means for raising and lowering the machine with reference to the carrying-wheels to regulate the heigh of cut. Il also preferably Vprovide a spring 7 above the bearing support b3 of the castel-- been'properly geared to move .at thesame ratev 'of speed as the machine travels and begins to shock and, moving; therewith, supports the same until clear of the f a link f27 to the guide-arm fr.

wheel a3. An adjusting-screw 72 is provided for adjusting the tension of said spring.

To provide for raising and lowering the binding mechanism, and thus bind the shocks at different heights to correspond to the different lengths of stalks, I form the respective shafts g17 and g2l in two parts, the lower portion of each shaft being formed in the nature of a sleeve adaptedto receive the upper portion, which slides longitudinally through the same, the parts being caused to revolve together by a spline or feather in the sleeve portion operating in a keyway in the movable portion. The needlearm han-d the tyer or knotter wheel fm are securedto the movable portions of the shaftsand are adapted to be supported by movable bearin gs lm m2, the

top of which rest in contact with the bottom of the Figs. 9 and 10. The bearings m m2 are each provided with a projecting lug m3, through which vpasses a screw-threaded shaft m5.'

These shafts m5 are connected together by a longitudinal shaft 'm7 and mit-er-gears m, as shown in Fig. 13, the shaft m7 being adapted to receive motion from an which extends from a position near the seat of the driver and is connected to the shaft m7 by a universal joint m13. By turning the shaft 'm12 in either direction the binding device is adapted to be raised and lowered, as desired.

'lo secure the complete revolution of the table B3, it is desirable that the shaft Q21 receive a slightly-greater movement than that necessary to move the arm 7i backward and forward. To provide for this movement, I connect the arm 7L to the shaft gm-by a setscrew n, which passes throughthe hub of said arm and into a keywayon said shaft, the hub being provided with a slotted opening n', which permits a limited movement of said shaft in either direction before motion is imparted to said arm. I

Y In order to sec-ure a sufficient length of surface for the bridge f11 and provide for removing the same as the shock-forming device is revolved to permit the shock to make its revolution, I construct the bridge with a secondary or auxiliary leaf fm, secured rigidly on a vertical shaft or stud f2s, which passes through and thus forms a pivotal connection with the main bridge fu. This stud f23 is provided with a crank-arm f25, which is connected by As the shockforming device is revolved the arms f13 and f15 are pushed back, as indicated in dotted lines, carrying the bridge f and the auxiliary bridge f22 back, as indicated in dotted lines, and without the radius of the revolving table or shock-forming device.

The tilting device is shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 28. A rigid beam R is bifurcated at the rear and embraces a projecting flange R on the fratne of the shock-forming device, to which it is connected by a suitable bolt or pin p, which passes'through a slotted opening hub or wheel and arm, as shown in inclined shaft m12,`

IOO

p in said fiange. The forward end ofthe beam R is pierced to receive aguide-rod R2 on the main frame. An operating-lever R3, pivoted at p2, has a projecting arm R5, connected by a link R7 to the beam R. A movement of the lever R3 changes the angular position of'the main frame with reference to the beam and shock'forming device, and thus tilts the forward portion of the frame up or down, as desired. The slotted opening p permits the necessary movement of the beam with reference to the shock-forming device when said shock-forming device is shifted on the main frame, as before described.

I preferably employ a series of guide-wires s s 84 S5 s6 between the respective throats C2 and C3, which preferably extend upwardly and backwardly at an angle to form guides ,for the incoming stalks to assist in directing the said stalks into the respective throats in a vertical position.

Having thus described claim` my invention, I

l. The combination, with a main frame and a carrying-wheel having an independent sliding bearing adapted to rise and fall in said frame, a screw-threaded stud connected to i.

said bearing, and auxiliary frames having a screw-threaded wheel on said stud, of' a spring between said auxiliary frames and said main frame, substantially as specified.

2. The combination, with the main frame and the carrying-wheels,each having independent sliding bearings adapted to rise and fall in said main frame, of screw-threaded studs on said bearings, auxiliary frames, each having screw-threaded wheels on said studs, springs between said auxiliary frames and said main frame, and a revolving shaft for simultaneously revolving `said screwthread ed wheels, substantially as specified.

3. The combination, with a harvester and a shock-forming device, of the reciprocating carrying-bars located in a passage between the harvester and shock-forming device and adapted to be operated against the incoming stalks to carry them along said passage and a driving-chain extended between the supporting-shafts for said carrying-bars and in the same plane therewith, said chain being provided with projections or fingers, substantially as specified.

4. The combination, with the reciprocating serrated carrying-bars journaled at each end on vertical crank-shafts, as described, of a driving-chain extended between said crankshafts and conveying motion from one to the other, said drivingchain being provided with projections or lingers adapted to move in substantially the same plane with said serrated carrying-bars as to their forward movement, substantially as specified.

' 5. The combination, with the shock-forining device and a supporting-frame, of a mov able bridge located between said supportingframe and shock-forming device, substantially as specified.

6. The combination, with a shock-'forming device havinga table, as described, of a movable bridge pivoted to the supporting-frame and adapted to project over said table and means for withdrawing said bridge as said table is revolved, substantially as specified.

7. The combination,with a revolving table and a carrying-frame,of a hinged bridge having two pivoted leaves, as described,a curved guiding arm pivotally connected to said bridge, and a spring for moving said arm, substantially as specified.

8. The combination, with a pivoted bridge having two pivoted leaves, of a crank-arm rigidly connectedV to one of said leaves and pivotally connected to the other and meansconnected with said crank-arm for moving said bridge, substantially as specified.

9. The combination, in a shock-forming device havinga bottom or table formed of hinged leaves, as described, said shock-forming device being formed with a gate at the rear thereof, a fastening device for said gate, and means for ope-rating said fastening device to release said gate as the table is revolved, substantially as specified.

l0. The combination, with a shock-forming device consistingof an outer frame and an inner revolving table, of means for feeding the incoming stalks to cause said table to revolve, a binding mechanism for securing the shock formedin said device, and pivoted pawls connected with said binding mechanism, said pawls being pierced at their outer ends to receive yielding guide-rods to permit them to reciprocate in opposite directions and to guide them so as to contact with the revolving frame and complete the revolution thereof, substantially as specified.

ll. The combination, with a revolving table and an outer frame and binding-arm, of a pivoted pawl connected to the operating mechanism of said binding-arm and adapted to engage with said revolving table and spring-guides piercing said pawls and adapted to hold said pawls in position to cause them to reciprocate about said table, so as to engage the same, substantially as specified.

l2. In a shock-forming device, the revolving table adapted to be revolved by the action of the packers against the incoming stalks of corn, a binder-arm arranged above said table and adapted to be operated to secure the shock formed on saidtable, and reciprocating pawls adapted to engage with said table and complete the revolution thereof by the movement of said binding-arm, said binding-arm being so connected to the operating mechanismV as to permit of a limited movement of said mechanism withoutmoving said arm, substantially as specified.

13. In a shock-forming device the bottom of which consists of a revolving table having hinged leaves, an outer stationary frame in which said table revolves, springcatches adapted to hold said leaves in their normal position, and cam projections on said stationary IIO.

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'speci-fied.

frame adapted to engage said spring-catches and thus release said leaves, substantially as specified.

14. The combination, with the hinged or folding leaves of a shock-forming table, of the spring-catches consistingof two pivoted leaves having outwardly-extending projections, a push-rod engaging said projections, and a spring formed of a single piece of metal bent around stationary projections and adapted to engage the respective leaves, substantiallyl as 15. The combination of a binder-arm having an extended portion provided with a pivoted latch in the extremity thereof, a supporting frame having guides for the cord which passes to said binder-arm, said guides being arranged on either side of the path of said extended portion, and tip projections on said frame to engage with said pivoted latch, substantially as specified.

1G. In a binding mechanism, a cord-arm having the rear extended in the arc of' a circle in which said arm travels,a pivoted latch in the rear extremity of said extended portion, adapted as the arm is reciprocated to cross the path of the cord in its passage to the arm and engage said cord, and means at the limit of the stroke of said arm for operating said catch to release the cord, substantially as specified.

17. The combination, in a binding mechanism, of a cord-arm having the rear extension, as described, and a pivoted latch in said extension adapted to engage the cord on the backward movement of said arm, uand means at or near the limit of the backward stroke of said arm for releasing said cord, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

1S. The combination,with the cord-arm having the rear extension and pivoted latch,said pivoted latch being adapted to engage the cord on the backward movement of said arm, of a stop projection for moving said latch to release the cord when said arm has arrived at or near the limit of its backward stroke and means for returning the latch to its normal position as the arm is moved in the forward direction, substantially as specified.

19. The combination, with a cord-arm having the rear extension and pivoted latch, as described, of the cord-guides h3 hf" and stop projections hT vh, substantially as specified. 20. The combination,with the revolving table and binding mechanism, of the automatic dumping devices connected with said table for releasing the shock formed thereon, and a discharging device connected with said binding mechanism and adapted to move at substantially the same rate of speed as the forward advance of said table, and means for operating said discharging device simultaneously with the discharge of the shock from said table, substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof' I have hereunto set my hand this 15th day of' August, A. D. 1390.

EZRA E. WITTER.

Witnesses:

PAUL A. STALEY, CHAs. I. WELCH.` 

